Pelé to Echorouk: I remember that I defeated Algeria

Brazilian legend Pelé said he hopes to see the Algeria team playing the final match against Brazil in the World Cup 2014 as modern football developed a lot in the last few years.

Pelé believes that Algeria has distinguished and talented players. Yet, he could not judge them in one single friendly match. “Honestly, I can’t judge the Algerian team by watching one single game because many factors must be taken in consideration in official competitions. I hope that Algeria will play a good game in the next World Cup. I will stand by their side.”

“The chance will be in favor of the Brazilian team to win the World Cup for the sixth time in their history. Yet, I do not want to see the 1950’s scenario when Brazil lost the World Cup against Uruguay,” he said in a TV program on Echorouk TV.

“I remember that my father was a football player in a small team. He invited some of his friends to watch the final match between Brazil and Uruguay on radio as we did not have television at that time. I was with some teammates playing next to our home. The area was silent. I got back home to ask my father about what happened. He shed tears and told me that Brazil lost the World Cup. It was the first time that I saw my father crying. Because of that, I do not want my son to see me crying as well in the next World Cup. I want him to see me shedding tears of joy,” he added.

Speaking about his visit to Algeria, Pelé said he remembers that his country defeated the national team in a friendly match. “Yet, things changed a lot in Algeria. I noticed new stadiums and nice cities.”